Newlyweds kiss in front of their wedding party dressed in formal Indian Wedding attire

Charleston Indian Fusion Wedding | Harborside East | Krutika & Brad

“We spoke with a few photographers, but the vibe and connection with Leigh was instant. She was so positive and open to listening to our needs, understanding the cultural aspects that would be needed, willing to do the research and customized a package for us that would include our multiple event wedding weekend! We could…

Newlywed couple stand inside I'on Chapel decorated with smilax greenery

Charleston Micro Wedding Inspiration | I’on Chapel

Charleston Micro Wedding  I wrote this blog to give some inspiration to the COVID-affected couples now planning a Charleston micro wedding. Planning a wedding normally is stressful, but planning a wedding during a pandemic takes stress to a whole new level. I’ve been a wedding photographer in Charleston, SC for the past 16 years and…

portrait photography

5 Must Have Getting Ready Photos for Every Bride

My 5 Must-Have Getting Ready Photos for Every Bride. Ladies we’ve dreamt of this day since we were little! These are the important shots you are going to want your photographer to capture regardless if you are having a big old wedding, paired down micro wedding, or elopement in Charleston. Getting Ready Photos Every Bride…

Photographer Leigh Hayward wearing a black hat and tie dyed dress stands with hand on hip

Booking a Charleston Wedding Photographer

Photography Booking Process First of all congratulations on your engagement! Many clients are curious about the booking process of a wedding photographer. For many couples, this is their first experience with professional photography. Therefore, I am going to walk you through my exact booking process so you know what to expect while working with me….

black newlywed couple embrace at the rear of their vintage gray get away car

Best Charleston Wedding Photos 2020 | Leigh Hayward Photography

I’ll admit this post is a little late, but it is hard to motivate in January right? So here goes, peace out 2020!  However, I have to admit it 2020 wasn’t all bad. Surprisingly, 2020 was a good year for me and my business. Even though they might have looked different than originally planned, the…

Elopement photography Charleston SC

My Top 4 Favorite Charleston Wedding Venues

Charleston Wedding Venues I’ve been a wedding photographer in Charleston, South Carolina for over 19 years now, which means I’ve visited a multitude of Charleston wedding venues.  Charleston is a hotspot for destination weddings and there are so many wedding venues to choose from.  If you are engaged or waiting for the ring and sneakily…

Newly eloped couple pose outside of church

Intimate Charleston Wedding | Mary-Brett + Spencer

“Leigh was the best decision ever! I’ve been in LOTS of weddings, and she’s hands down the best photographer I’ve ever encountered. We had to postpone our big wedding celebration that we originally booked her for, and she was so accommodating! We had her come take photos after the small ceremony we ended up having,…

Groom and groomsmen in navy blue tuxedos walk away from plantation house

Outdoor Charleston Wedding | Old Wide Awake Plantation | Megan + Rich

“Leigh was an absolutely amazing photographer, she is so easy to work with and her energy is fun to be around. I feel like she could turn anyone into a model with her creative posing and uncanny ability to capture your best angle and lighting. She photographed my bridal portraits and wedding and pays such…

groom leads bride down sidewalk in front of Zero George Hotel

The Gadsden House Wedding | Kristen + Clayton

Classic Southern Wedding at The Gadsden House I’m super excited to share the photos I took of Kristen & Clayton’s classic Gadsden House wedding in Charleston, SC. Read on to learn more about why this venue fits them and their love story perfectly! The couple knew they wanted to get married in Charleston, South Carolina…

bride standing near window inside Legare Waring House

Bridal Suite Tips for a Stress Free Wedding Day

Tips for the Bridal Suite from a Seasoned Photographer Why the Bridal Suite Matters It’s no secret that the bride is the focal point of a wedding day, and it all begins in the bridal suite. Whether your wedding is taking place at a huge venue with hundreds of guests or is a more intimate…